LOWELL -- Bracha Horovitz is an exception, in a good way. While smaller textile companies are being bought out, the Israeli immigrant fends off large corporations and continues to grow the Lowell company.

"We've made breakthroughs, and we thrive every day to be top notch," said Horovitz, president and CEO of Federal Fabrics-Fibers, Inc. "We want to be the best.

"We have that driven, entrepreneurial spirit of America," she added.

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And recognition comes with determination and progress.

Horovitz, 60, was recently nominated for The Immigrant Learning Center's 2013 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards. The 26 nominees who founded businesses in Massachusetts "represent outstanding business leaders from across the Commonwealth," and seven of the 26 are from Lowell.

Before coming to America in 1979, Horovitz served in the Israeli Army in the logistics and strategic planning office.

She learned about providing soldiers with the tools for combat and protection, and it translated into launching her company in Lowell in 1991.

"My military and textile engineering background in Israel was the perfect fit," Horovitz said. "We wanted to make a difference in the military and make a breakthrough in technology, and we've made that impact."

The company, which employs 45 workers, produces air beams and full-blown, self-inflatable rescue shelters that are used by the military in the Middle East. A box of fabric inflates to a 35-foot by 36-foot rescue shelter in a few minutes after pushing the air compressor button.

The medical shelter is very important for emergency situations, according to Horovitz.

The inflated tents can hold air pressure for several months, she said.

"And the difference is being made -- we've heard positive feedback from actual soldiers," Horovitz said. "We can actually save lives with this."

Mercy Ships, a hospital ship that provides free health care for developing nations, purchased shelters from Federal Fabrics-Fibers. The company applauded the shelters in a letter to Horovitz.

"Everyone continues to be amazed how easy it is to put the tents into action. They are durable and have held up well in the hot African sun ... Please know we are elated to have found you and your wonderful approach to portable tents."

But Horovitz said she could not have done this alone.

"I love the people here, and they are the key," she said. "The team is why we are here today."

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